Biocompatibility of materials for total joint replacement

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Toxicology

Background:

• Total joint prostheses require materials with absolute biocompatibility.
• Assessing the tissue response to implantable materials is crucial for clinical success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To bioassay candidate materials for total joint prostheses, including load-bearing and wear-resistant applications.
• To evaluate the biocompatibility of various metals, polymers, and ceramics in both solid and particulate forms.

Main Methods:

• Standardized rods and particulate forms of 25 materials were implanted in rabbit soft tissue for six months.
• Evaluated local tissue reactions and performed organ studies for systemic toxicity.
• 316L stainless steel served as a control material.

Main Results:

• Polymers and metallic materials generally elicited mild tissue reactions.
• Ceramics showed variable responses, with some glass-ceramics demonstrating poor tissue tolerance.
• Particulate materials, except for specific polymers, generally showed moderate reactivity.
• Titanium oxide, titanium aluminate, and aluminum oxide showed reactivity comparable to corrosion-resistant metals.
• Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene in particulate form induced a cellular response.

Conclusions:

• Biocompatibility of joint prosthesis materials varies significantly.
• Certain ceramics and particulate forms of polymers require careful consideration for long-term joint arthroplasty.
• No systemic toxicity was detected from the tested materials.